Desert Monster Tries to Survive in the American Southwest

July 22, 2016 - The colorful Gila monster is threatened by increasingly hot and dry weather. Although celebrated as one of Arizona’s most recognized animals, Gila monsters are physiologically ill adapted for the Sonoran Desert. Little is known about the population, but it enjoys a protected status in Arizona. However, because of a growing human population, as well as climate change, which is making the Sonoran Desert hotter and drier, the Gila monster’s future is in doubt.

Desert Monster Tries to Survive in the American Southwest

July 22, 2016 - The colorful Gila monster is threatened by increasingly hot and dry weather. Although celebrated as one of Arizona’s most recognized animals, Gila monsters are physiologically ill adapted for the Sonoran Desert. Little is known about the population, but it enjoys a protected status in Arizona. However, because of a growing human population, as well as climate change, which is making the Sonoran Desert hotter and drier, the Gila monster’s future is in doubt.